Sightings in Cowtown, Texas

Also known as Fort Worth, Texas. This is the home of the Fort Worth Stockyards featuring the twice daily Texas Longhorn cattle drive.

I found myself here last Saturday with a group of photographers. We had a meet and greet to talk photography and “shoot” some sights.

And sights we did see.

Coming here is like visiting the Old West. You do step back to another time, and another era. You are transported to the dusty days of the cowboy.

Fort Worth Stockyards Riverwalk

Fort Worth Stockyards Riverwalk

Calf fries??

It was nice to meet up with friends, new and old, to capture the fun of a great little place called Cowtown. My first two photos are of the Stockyards Riverwalk. I had no idea there was a Riverwalk. Score! on discovering new places. And living so close to a fantastic place rich in history and tradition.

A Capture of Me

4.) Share a photo that was taken of you, that you think really captures who you are.

This week we were asked to share a photo that really captures who we are. And what could be a better capture than a photo taken by a photographer friend? A photo taken just last week on an impromptu photo walk in Fort Worth. If you haven’t seen his work do check out my competition my co-photographer James Skidmore Photography.

As a person, I feel like I am constantly changing. Usually, my life changes are shaped by my current obsession. This current obsession is photography. I would live, breathe, and eat photography if I could.

Unfortunately, I can’t. Not right now. I have a “main” job that keeps me very, very busy with very little time to have fun. But I try. Oh how I try to keep the sparks and dreams alive of being the best photographer I can be.

I love these captures because, I am doing what I love to do.

Exploring through the lens….

Shooting….

And laughing.

Of course, I am many other things; Mom, Step-Mom, wife, and friend. I love all the things I am, but truly, being a photographer is a reward far beyond what I ever imagined.

Wordless Wednesday: For My Foodie Friends

I posted a little about attending the Emirates Air Event. It took place at the Cowboys Stadium and we dined on the field.

The food was delicious and AMAZING in presentation. I took photographs to document these tasty morsels and share with all my fare lovin’ friends. I even snapped the menu! So you could see all the fancy names I can’t pronounce…..

The appetizer - Nicoise Salad with fresh poached shrimp and seared tuna fish.

Quail Egg

The main course - Char Grilled Tenderloin Fillet with wild mushrooms and potato croquettes.

The Dessert - Crispy Banana Napoleon.

I am still impressed with their menu and service.

Happy February 1st!!!!

Sundays In My City: Fort Worth, Texas

I am lucky enough to live in the great state of Texas located in the North Central area known as Dallas/Fort Worth. Whether you like, the East, or the West. There are magnificent sights to be seen in my city.

Lucky for me, I am an explorer.

I love finding new places.

I love capturing old favorites too.

Hopefully, you will enjoy the city through my eyes as much as I do.

Here is a favorite I took this weekend……

Downtown Fort Worth.

Isn’t she a beaut?

Travel to other places at Unknown Mami’s

Friday Fragments

• I got in the elevator. The doors closed. I stood there staring at the buttons, because – for the life of me – I could not remember which floor my car was on. That wouldn’t have been sooo bad, except it was the second time in the same day I did that. ::face palm::

• Also the same day? I sent my husband a text that stated – I have ADD. It’s really bad and I can’t concentrate. I asked him what the cure was….his answer? Coffee and Chocolate. Ho boy!

• Today marks the fifth day of driving Sydney to high school since the car accident that left her car-less. She was only almost late one time. It’s great for me. I feel like she is a freshman again. And that is exactly why it’s bad for her……during her Senior year. Seriously…yikes!

• My second 5K race of the year is Saturday. I am doing it with (mostly) the same peeps that participated in the last one. We have become a true “team” (yay! team!). I expect all of us to beat our time by just a little bit. I am a brutal coach. PICK UP THOSE FEET!!

• I went to my first Zumba class Wednesday night. I had NO idea what to expect. If I would get the steps, or just look like a bumbling two-left-feet-kind-of-gal. It wasn’t as bad as I thought. I did bumble. I almost lost my footing more than once, but in the end, I did get the steps down. Annndddd??? I made it through the entire class without dying. Plus, I could walk the next day. Yes, I will be going back. Turns out, I LOVE to dance.

• I can’t believe next week is February. Someone…PLEASE…stop the clock. And just FYI, I always want to misspell February. Always.

• Did I tell you my sweet husband bought me a brand new MAC? I looves it. We got a second desk in the office and now I have my very own MAC AND desk. I am the luckiest chic alive. The only bad thing? I haven’t moved my photoshop actions over. I really wish I didn’t love those actions so much.

• I did not win tickets to Australia at the last airline event I attended. But now I am on quest to GET to Australia at some point in my life. It is even higher on the list now than Italy. I must GO someday. It is my destiny. I mean I did name my daughter SYDNEY.

• Speaking of event, I got some FANTASTIC photographs of the 747 jumbo Qantas jet that flies from DFW to Sydney. I will post those later. I tried to be a stow-away. I totally did.

Me, Sydney bear, Mo, and Sal.

• I only have a grip on the lovely Sydney Bear, because I am hoping he will take me back to Australia with him. It’s not like I have gun to his back. PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU!! It was a back-up plan (sorta). He is a cute bear!

Plan "A"

• Plan “A” was to hide out in here, and hope no one noticed I was in the crew quarters bunk.

• Unfortunately, the flight attendant found us. She said she was just making sure we were okay up there. Yah, riiiight.

• So, I am still here….in North Central Texas. At least, it has been a nice winter. We got a good dose of rain and the temps have been in the 50-70′s. Can’t beat that.

Have a most fabulous weekend!!

Wordy Wordless Wednesday

One of my oldest blogging buddies Suzicate posted about a loose tooth when she was a child. It is such a cute story. I was the youngest of four and remember the threat of PLIERS to yank a tooth out too. Eeek!

It, also, reminded me that my youngest step-daughter lost her tooth over Christmas break. Her first tooth (of course I took pictures).

I must admit in my sappy old age, I shed a little tear. This marks the end of her babyhood as she grows BIG girl teeth. Waaah!

She is our last one, the last first tooth, the last gummy grin. Oh, I will enjoy these moments.

Bri's First Tooth Loss

One day a chubby two-year………..the next a toothless five-year-old in kindergarten.

Five and growing up too fast.

The thing about that first missing tooth…….. It’s just the cutest thing ever.

Join other Wordy Wordless Wednesdays here.

Half Marathon Training for the Beginner

This is a walk/run training program.

I typed up my training plan for my running buddy and I thought……why not post it here? Maybe, I can get some “virtual” support. Maybe there are a few of you out there that think……NO WAY could I do something like this.

That is when I step in and say YES, YOU CAN! If I can, you can.

A month ago, I weighed over 200lbs and started exercising for the first time in four years (at least regular exercise).

I am now under 200lbs and I can finally feel my stomach muscles again. I can run three minutes without stopping and recover in a minute walking. I am not even having to push myself too hard (not saying it’s easy).

I’m slightly ahead of this training plan, but I am still going to start at the beginning.

The numbers represent run/walk time. So, week one is running 2 mins and walking 1 minute until you complete the mileage.

As you can see, the progression covers 12 weeks to gradually build you up to a half-marathon. I do NOT run fast. It is slow and steady (so I don’t get winded).

You will know your pace when you start, it’s the one where you can talk (or sing) without dying (sorta).

Can I encourage you? Do you need a plan?

This week starts week 1….

Jan. 23-29
Week 1-

Tues- 2 miles – 2/1 run/walk intervals
Thurs- 2.5 miles – 2/1 run/walk intervals.
Sat- (long run) This is our Frosty Frog 5K
Sun – 2 mile recovery walk

Jan 30-Feb 5
Week 2-

Tues- 2 miles- 2/1 run/walk intervals
Thurs-3 miles- 2/1 run/walk intervals
Friday- Cross training (elliptical) or rest
Saturday-(long run) 3.50 or 4 miles – 2/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday- 2.5 mile recovery walk

Feb.6-12
Week 3-

Tues- 2.5 miles – 2/1 run/walk intervals
Wed- Cross training (elliptical)
Thurs- 3 miles – 2/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday- (long run) 4 miles – 2/1 run/walk interval
Sunday – 2 miles recovery walk

Feb. 13-19
Week 4-

Tues- 2.5 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Wed- Cross training
Thurs- 3 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday- (long run) 5 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday- 2 miles recovery walk

Feb. 20-26
Week 5-

Tues- 3 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Wed- Cross training
Thurs- 3 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday (long run) – Cowtown 10K (6.2miles) 3/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday – 3 miles recovery walk

Feb. 27-Mar. 4
Week 6 -

Tues – 4 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Wed- Cross- training
Thurs- 4 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday (long run) – 7 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday – 3 miles recovery walk

Mar 5-11
Week 7 -

Tues – 4 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Wed- Cross training
Thurs- 4 miles 3/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday (long run) 8 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday – 3 miles recovery walk

Mar. 12-18
Week 8 -

Tues- 4 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Wed- Cross training
Thurs-3 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday- (long run) 9 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday – 3 miles recovery walk

Mar. 19-25
Week 9 -

Tues- 5 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Wed- Cross training
Thurs- 4 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday (long run) – 10 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday – 3 mile recovery walk

Mar. 26-Apr. 1
Week 10 -

Tues- 4 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Wed- Cross training
Thurs- 3 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday (long run) – 11 miles 3/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday – 3 mile recovery walk

April 2-8
Week 11 -

Tues- Cross Training
Wed- 3 miles 3/1 run/walk intervals
Thur- Cross Training
Saturday (long run) – 5 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Sunday – 2.5 mile recovery walk

April 9-15
Week 12-

Tues- 2 miles – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Thurs- 20 mins – 3/1 run/walk intervals
Saturday (day before race) – Walk 20 mins.
Sunday – RACE DAY — Big D HALF MARATHON (13.1mile)

I’m ready. I’ve set my goal (without fear).

What about you?

Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.
Brian Tracy, Eat that Frog